Milk Alternatives at Starbucks UK
Starbucks is one of the most plant-friendly coffee chains on the UK high street. Whether you are ordering a latte, flat white or cappuccino, Starbucks offers multiple milk alternatives, and crucially, does not charge extra for any of them.
If you want to know exactly what milk options are available at Starbucks UK, how they taste in coffee, and which one makes the most sense for your order, this guide covers it all.
Milk alternatives available at Starbucks UK
Starbucks UK currently offers the following milk alternatives across most stores.
| Milk alternative | Extra cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oat milk | No | Creamy and slightly sweet. One of the most popular swaps. |
| Soya milk | No | High in protein. Some versions are lightly sweetened. |
| Almond milk | No | Light and nutty but thinner in hot drinks. |
| Coconut milk | No | Distinct coconut flavour. Works well in sweeter drinks. |
| Original Nut Blend | No | Starbucks exclusive blend made with hazelnut and cashew. |
If you are deciding what to order, it is also worth checking the full Starbucks UK menu and prices so you know what each drink costs before choosing your milk. For a wider view, our guide to milk alternatives in UK coffee shops compares Starbucks with other major chains, including Costa, Pret and Caffè Nero, and shows which places still charge extra for dairy-free options.
Does Starbucks charge extra for milk alternatives?
No. Starbucks UK removed all surcharges for milk alternatives in 2022.
Whether you choose oat, almond, soya, coconut or their Original Nut Blend, the price of your drink stays the same. This makes Starbucks one of the easiest chains to order dairy-free without thinking about the cost.
Which milk alternative is best at Starbucks?
It depends on what you order, but some options work better than others.
Oat milk is the safest all-round choice. It is creamy, slightly sweet and works well in flat whites, lattes and cappuccinos without overpowering the coffee.
Soya milk is a good option if you want something closer to dairy in terms of texture and protein, though it can add a subtle flavour of its own.
Original Nut Blend is worth trying if you want something different. It is designed specifically for Starbucks espresso drinks and has a mild, nutty sweetness without tasting like a flavoured syrup.
Almond and coconut milks tend to suit sweeter drinks or iced coffees better. In hot espresso drinks they are thinner and their flavour is more noticeable.
